BIG Question: Does “CULTURE” + “DIPLOMACY” = Peace and Stability

What is CULTURE? Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, food, social habits, music and arts.

What is DIPLOMACY? 1: the work of maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries 2: skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings

So, CULTURAL DIPLOMACY is: Cultural Diplomacy may best be described as  a course of actions,  which are based on and utilize the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity,  whether to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation, promote national interests and beyond. Cultural diplomacy can be practiced by either the public sector [GOVERNMENTS], private sector [BUSINESSES] or civil society [PEOPLE].

Importance of CULTURAL DIPLOMACY  In an increasingly globalized, interdependent world,  in which the proliferation of mass communication technology ensures we all have greater access to each other than ever before,  cultural diplomacy is critical to fostering peace & stability throughout the world.

Principles of CULTURAL DIPLOMACY  Respect & Recognition of Cultural Diversity & Heritage  Global Intercultural Dialogue  Justice, Equality & Interdependence  The Protection of International Human Rights  Global Peace & Stability

A Positive DOMINO EFFECT? By accomplishing the first principle, one enables the second, which in turn enables the third until the fifth ultimate principle of global peace and stability is achieved.

Some “Ancient” History: 32 years ago (1984), Mr. Farshtey’s soccer team was the first American high school team in any sport to be invited to visit and play in China  for the specific purpose of SPORT as CULTURAL DIPLOMACY! Let’s look at some historical relics...

Power in International Relations Hard Power Coerce with political, economic or military power. (Realism: force, military capability) Soft Power Ability to get what you want though attraction and not coercion (Liberalism: education, art, sports, values)

Tools of Soft Power: Public Diplomacy v. Cultural Diplomacy Public Diplomacy Government sponsored programs intended to inform or influence public opinion in other countries: its chief instruments are publications, motion pictures, cultural exchanges radio and TV. (One way communication) Sponsored by the government Embassies and diplomats play a major role Cultural Diplomacy Cultural diplomacy establishes a two-way communication with other countries. Primary focus is not merely political but also cultural (athletic, education, art) The actor can take on his/her own agenda independently of the government. More high culture and education focused (less popular culture, publications, radio or TV) Can be sponsored by the government but also by private institutions or NGO. Embassies play a major role but not the only role

Soft Power Index Result France 2 UK 3 USA 4 Germany 5 Switzerland 6 Sweden 7 Denmark 8 Australia 9 Finland 10 Netherlands 11 Spain 12 Canada 13 Singapore 14 Norway 15 Japan 16 Italy 17 China 18 Israel 19 Korea 20 South Africa 20 Brazil 22 Mexico 23 India 24 UAE 25 Turkey 26 Russia

Influencing mechanism Government using Soft Power Foreign Public Foreign Government's Foreign Policy Media, Internet, Programs Media, Internet, Public Opinion

Cultural factors—cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings and mistrust Areas of possible misunderstanding include: –individualistic versus collectivist societies –low-context versus high-context cultures –pragmatist versus idealistic cultures –high- versus low-trust societies –monochronic (1 thing at a time) versus polychronic (multi-task) cultures –differences in the importance of punctuality Language factors—difficult for negotiators to find words to express their exact meaning in another language Use of interpreters prolongs negotiations –cultural factors determine whether interpreters are acceptable